Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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ELECTRONIC LOCK
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates generally to locks, and more particularly, to
an
electronic lock, techniques to open an electronic lock, and articles
incorporating an
electronic lock, as set out in greater detail herein.
BACKGROUND ART
Numerous applications exist where a user may desire to secure an item,
article,
device, etc., from unwanted or otherwise undesired access. In this regard,
there are a variety
of lock styles that are available, which can be used for temporary securement
of the item,
article, device, etc. For instance, padlocks are available that require either
a physical key or
a known combination to open the lock. Moreover, electronic locks are
available, e.g., which
require a known pin code that is entered via a keypad in order to unlock the
lock.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
According to aspects of the present disclosure, an electronic lock is
provided. The
electronic lock comprises a housing having a lock aperture extending through a
face thereof.
The lock aperture is configured to receive a corresponding locking mechanism.
Also, a
biometric interface is attached to the housing. Additionally, a locking system
is contained
within the housing. The locking system comprises a controller, a biometric
reader, a lock,
an electric actuator, and a power source, e.g., a battery. The biometric
reader is electrically
coupled to the controller. The biometric reader is also electrically coupled
to the biometric
interface. The lock that transitions between a locked position and an unlocked
position such
that when the lock is in the locked position and the locking mechanism is
inserted into the
lock aperture, the locking mechanism is locked to the housing, and when the
physical lock
is in the unlocked position, the locking mechanism can release from the
housing. The
electric actuator is electrically coupled to the controller, and is operable
to transition the
lock between the locked position and the unlocked position. The battery powers
at least the
controller, the biometric reader, and the electric actuator.
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In this regard, the controller issues an electronic unlock command signal to
the
electric actuator to cause the lock to transition from the locked position to
the unlocked
position upon determining agreement of a match of electronic data
corresponding to a
biometric read by the biometric reader to biometric data accessible by the
controller
identifying an authorized user. Also, the controller issues the unlock command
signal to the
electric actuator to cause the lock to transition from the locked position to
the unlocked
position where a measure of a battery characteristic falls below a
predetermined threshold,
independent of an output of the biometric reader.
According to further aspects of the present disclosure, an electronic lock
comprises
a housing having a first face. A lock aperture passes through the lock housing
(e.g., by
extending through the first face of the housing). Similarly, a keyhole passes
through the
housing. Still further, a biometric interface (e.g., a pad of a fingerprint
scanner) is attached
to the housing. Moreover, the housing contains therein, a controller, a
biometric reader, a
proximity-based wireless communication device, a lock, and a lock receiver.
The biometric
reader and the proximity-based communication device are each electrically
coupled to the
controller. The lock is configured to transition from a locked position to an
unlocked
position in cooperation with a locking mechanism that is insertable into the
lock aperture.
Moreover, the mechanical key receiver is configured to accept a physical key,
e.g., inserted
via the keyhole. In operation, the controller issues an unlock command signal
to cause the
lock to transition from the locked position to the unlocked position (e.g.,
independent of the
physical key inserted or otherwise engaged with the mechanical key receiver).
Additionally,
the lock is controlled to transition from the locked position to the unlocked
position by the
mechanical key receiver engaging the physical key (e.g., independent of the
unlock
command signal from the controller).
In an example embodiment, the controller is operatively configured to issue
the
unlock command signal to cause the lock to transition from the locked position
to the
unlocked position based upon at least one electronic verification. Example
electronic
verifications comprise a match of a biometric read by the biometric reader to
electronic data
identifying an authorized user, or a match of an identifier read by the
proximity-based
wireless communication device to electronic data identifying the authorized
user.
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In another example embodiment, the controller is operatively configured to
issue the
unlock command signal to cause the lock to transition from the locked position
to the
unlocked position upon determining agreement of a multi-part electronic
verification,
comprising a match of a biometric read by the biometric reader to electronic
data identifying
an authorized user, and a match of an identifier read by the proximity-based
wireless
communication device to electronic data identifying an authorized user. Here,
the
authorized user that authenticates to the biometric reader may be the same
person or a
different person that authenticates using the proximity-based wireless
communication
device.
According to still further aspects of the present disclosure, an electronic
lock is
provided. The electronic lock comprises a housing having a lock aperture
extending through
a face thereof The lock aperture is configured to receive a locking mechanism.
Further, a
biometric interface is attached to the housing. Also, a locking system is
contained within
the housing. The locking system comprises a controller, a biometric reader, a
lock, and an
electric actuator. The biometric reader electrically coupled to the controller
and to the
biometric interface. The lock transitions between a locked position and an
unlocked position
such that when the lock is in the locked position and the locking mechanism is
inserted into
the lock aperture, the locking mechanism is locked to the housing.
Correspondingly, when
the lock is in the unlocked position, the locking mechanism can release from
the housing.
The electric actuator is electrically coupled to the controller, and is
operable to transition
the lock between the locked position and the unlocked position. In this
configuration, the
controller issues an electronic unlock command signal to the electric actuator
to cause the
lock to transition from the locked position to the unlocked position upon
determining
agreement of a match of electronic data corresponding to a biometric read by
the biometric
reader to data identifying an authorized user, or detecting that the user
tapped a PIN into the
biometric interface that matches a PIN corresponding to the user, where the
PIN is stored in
memory accessible by the controller.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The following detailed description of various aspects of the present
disclosure may
be best understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where
like
structure is indicated with like reference numerals, and in which:
FIG. 1 illustrates an electronic lock according to aspects of the present
disclosure;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating components of the electronic lock of
FIG. 1
according to aspects of the present disclosure;
FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating an example algorithm that can be executed
by the
controller of FIG. 2 to issue an unlock command, according to aspects of the
present
disclosure;
aspects of the present disclosure;
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an example electronic lock that is analogous to
the block
diagram of FIG. 2, but adds a built-in user authorization list, according to
aspects of the
present disclosure;
FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an example electronic lock that is analogous to
the block
diagram of FIG. 4, but adds a transceiver, according to aspects of the present
disclosure;
FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an example electronic lock that is analogous to
the block
diagram of any one or more of FIG. 2, FIG. 4, FIG. 5 but adds a built-in
device port,
positioning system, I/O, or combination thereof, according to aspects of the
present
disclosure;
FIG. 7 illustrates a top view an example electronic lock according to aspects
herein;
FIG. 8 illustrates an example zipper clasp usable with the electronic lock of
FIG. 7;
FIG. 9A illustrates the back of the electronic lock of FIG. 7 with the back
removed
to show select components thereof. FIG. 8 illustrating an example approach to
implement a
zipper lock, where the lock is in a "locked state-,
FIG. 9B illustrates the back of the electronic lock of FIG. 7 with the back
removed
to show select components thereof, FIG. 9 illustrating an example approach to
implement a
zipper lock, where the lock is in an "unlocked state"; and
FIG. 10 illustrates an exploded view of select components of the lock to
illustrate
various aspects of the present disclosure.
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MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
According to aspects of the present disclosure, various configurations are
disclosed,
which are suitable to implement an electronic lock. In this regard, an
electronic lock is
disclosed herein, which takes a form factor of a general-purpose smart lock,
making the
smart lock usable to lock any suitable article to which the smart lock is
applied. In other
applications, a smart lock is provided that is either formed as an integral
part of an article,
or the smart lock can be incorporated into an article transforming the article
into a smart,
lockable article.
According to further aspects of the present disclosure, techniques herein
implement
technology in a personalized manner so as to provide an increased likelihood
that an
individual opening the lock is truly an authorized individual. In this regard,
the personalized
technology can be implemented locally within the lock itself, via
communication with a
remote device (such as via short range communication with an electronic
appliance, long
range communication such as across a network including the Internet, etc.),
combinations
thereof, etc.
Electronic Lock Example A
Refen-ing now to the drawings, and in particular to FIG. 1, an electronic lock
100 is
illustrated. The electronic lock 100 includes a housing 102 having a first
face 104 that
defines a major surface facilitating interaction with the electronic lock 100.
The housing
102 is shown with a generally "box" shaped form factor solely for convenience
of
illustration and discussion of key features herein. In practice, the housing
102 can take on
any shape and/or size, e.g., to conform to intended applications, technology
contained
therein, aesthetics, combinations thereof, etc. The electronic lock 100 can
also be
incorporated into a structure, e.g., into a diary, bag, luggage, purse, or
other article.
In practical applications, one or more features of the electronic lock 100 may
be
exposed to a user via the housing 102. For instance, as illustrated in the
example electronic
lock 100 of FIG. 1, a lock aperture 106 extends through the first face 104 of
the housing
102. The lock aperture 106 defines an opening in the electronic lock 100 that
receives a
corresponding locking mechanism, which may be integral with the housing 102
(e.g., a
shackle), or a separate (e.g., a detachable component such as a zipper clasp).
In practical
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applications, the particular positioning, size, shape, etc., of the lock
aperture 106 will depend
upon the implemented physical locking technique. For instance, the lock
aperture 106 may
include or be configured to receive a clasp, shackle, hook, bolt, etc. (not
shown in FIG. 1
for clarity of illustration).
Also as illustrated, an optional keyhole 108 can be provided. Where utilized,
the
keyhole 108 passes through the housing 102. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1,
the
keyhole 108 extends through the first face 104 of the housing 102. However, in
other
embodiments, the keyhole 108, when provided, can extend through or otherwise
couple to
any other surface of the housing 102. Regardless of location, the keyhole 108
provides an
interface that receives a physical key that is specifically configured to
unlock/open the
locking mechanism of the electronic lock 100. As will be described in greater
detail herein,
the physical key operates the locking mechanism independent of an electronic
unlock signal
(also specifically described in greater detail herein). Likewise, the
electronic locking
mechanism can unlock the lock independent of the physical key. As a result, in
some
embodiments, the electronic lock 100 can always be opened, even where no power
is
available to the electronic lock 100.
Still further, at least one electronic authorization device is provided. The
electronic
authorization device is used to authorize a user to a controller of the
electronic lock. As will
be described in greater detail herein the authorization device can comprise
any number of
modalities, which may include a biometric scanner, an electronic keypad, a
wireless
communication device, etc. Examples of electronic authorization devices are
described
more fully herein.
However, for sake of example, FIG. 1 illustrates an authorization device
implemented as a biometric interface 110 that is attached to or otherwise
passes through the
housing 102. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the biometric interface 110 is
attached
to or otherwise extends through the first face 104 of the housing 102.
However, in other
embodiments, the biometric interface 110 can attach to or otherwise extend
through any
other surface of the housing 102. Regardless of location, the biometric
interface 110
receives biometric information from a user. In some embodiments, the received
biometric
information can be used to unlock the electronic lock 100. In other
embodiments, the
received biometric information can be used to lock the electronic lock 100. In
still further
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embodiments, the received biometric information can be used as a part of a
multi-part
authentication, verification, other scheme, etc., examples of which are set
out in greater
detail herein.
In practical applications, the biometric interface 110 can form part of a
fingerprint/thumbprint scanner. In this regard, the biometric interface 110
can optionally
include a pad 112. The pad 112 provides an interface for receiving a biometric
input from
a user. However, other biometric-based sensing technologies can
also/alternatively be
utilized.
Optionally, the electronic lock can also include one or more user interface
input/output features. The input/output 114 can include buttons, pads, knobs,
encoders,
switches, or other input and/or output devices that facilitate user
interaction with the lock.
Electronic Lock Example B
Referring to FIG. 2, a block diagram illustrates an embodiment of the
electronic lock
100 of FIG. 1. In particular, a controller 202 is provided that handles the
main processing
of the electronic lock. In this regard, the controller 202 can function as a
"supervisor"
processor, overseeing the processing of other technologies, the controller 202
can handle
the core processing itself, or combinations thereof.
Notably, in the illustrated embodiment, an electronic authorization device
implemented as a biometric reader 204 is electrically coupled to the
controller 202. More
particularly, the electric coupling provides an electrical pathway by which
the controller 202
and the biometric reader 204 communicate. In practical applications, the
electrical coupling
provides a communicative coupling that may be unidirectional or bi-
directional. That is, in
some embodiments, the biometric reader 204 sends information to the controller
202. In
other embodiments, the communication is hi-directional such that the
controller 202
transmits information (e.g. commands, data, combinations thereof, etc.) to the
bi ometri c
reader 204, and the controller 202 receives information (e.g., commands, data,
requests, etc.)
from the biometric reader 204.
The biometric reader 204 is also electrically coupled to the biometric
interface 110
(FIG. 1). That is, the biometric reader 204 further interacts with the
counterpart biometric
interface 110 and optional pad 112 of FIG. 1 to obtain electronic data
corresponding to a
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biometric read by the biometric reader. In this regard, the controller can
compare biometric
data accessible by the controller identifying an authorized user to the
electronic data
corresponding to the biometric read by the biometric reader to authenticate
the user. In this
regard, the biometric reader 204 can be a biometric scanner, e.g., for a
fingerprint placed on
pad 112 (FIG. 1), or the biometric reader 204 can be any other biometric-based
technology.
In some embodiments, an optional electronic authorization device such as an
optional proximity-based wireless communication device 206 can be provided,
e.g., in
addition to, or in lieu of the biometric reader 204. The proximity-based
wireless
communication device 206 is also electrically coupled to the controller 202.
More
particularly, the electrical coupling provides a communicative pathway by
which the
controller 202 and the proximity-based wireless communication device 206
communicate.
In practical applications, the electrical coupling provides communicative
coupling that can
be unidirectional or bi-directional.
Analogous to that discussed above, in some
embodiments, the proximity-based wireless communication device 206 sends
information
to the controller 202. In other embodiments, the communication is bi-
directional such that
the controller 202 transmits information (e.g., commands, data, combinations
thereof, etc.)
to the proximity-based wireless communication device 206, and the controller
202 receives
information (e.g., commands, data, requests, etc.) from the proximity-based
wireless
communication device 206.
In practical applications, the proximity-based wireless communication device
206
can comprise any suitable short range (e.g., typically less than 30 meters)
communication
technology, such as low energy Bluetooth, Zigbee, ultra-wide band (UWB), etc.
As yet a
further example, the proximity-based wireless communication device 206 can
comprise an
active or passive radio frequency identification (RFID) device, which may
provide a range
of approximately 1-6 meters, or greater for active RFID system. Similarly, low
power FOBs
can be configured to be limited to a few meters. In other embodiments, the
proximity-based
wireless communication device 206 can comprise near field communication (NCF)
device
(or other magnetic field induction technology that enables communication). In
this
embodiment, a working range of 10-20 centimeters is more practical. Still
further, the
proximity-based wireless communication device 206 can comprise an inductive
based
technology that requires intimate contact with the housing of the electronic
lock 200. In this
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regard, requiring contact with the housing of the electronic lock 200 may be
advantageous,
e.g., to increase the likelihood of a deliberate attempt to engage the
proximity-based wireless
communication device 206.
A lock 208 is also electronically coupled to the controller 202. In a manner
analogous to that described above, the electronic coupling provides an
electrical pathway
by which the controller 202 and the lock 208 communicate. In this regard,
communication
can be unidirectional, or bi-directional. In general, the lock 208 includes a
combination of
mechanical and electrical components necessary to mechanically implement the
lock.
For instance, the lock 208 can include, or be coupled to, any necessary
electrical
and/or mechanical components to receive a locking mechanism (such as a clasp,
shackle,
hook, bolt, etc.) that is passed through the lock aperture 106 (FIG. 1). As an
illustrative
example, the lock 208 can be coupled to an electronic actuator such as a
solenoid, actuator
(e.g., a linear actuator, a rotary actuator, etc.), a motor, a motor and a cam
arrangement,
motor and slider-crank, or other structure that converts rotational to linear
motion, etc. The
components can also include an electronic actuator control circuit where
required.
Yet further, additional mechanical components such as springs, wedges, locks,
etc.,
may be provided as are necessary to lock and unlock the device.
In general terms, the lock 208 transitions from a locked position to an
unlocked
position in cooperation with the locking mechanism (e.g., a clasp lock,
shackle, etc.) that is
insertable into the lock aperture. The specific configuration of the lock 208
will thus vary
depending upon the implemented technology, type of locking mechanism used,
etc. For
instance, a physical lock may have different components when securing a clasp,
e.g.,
attached to a zipper, compared to locking to a barb on a shackle for a padlock
or bar-style
lock.
While not required, in some embodiments, a mechanical key receiver 210 is
configured to accept a physical key, e.g., passed through the keyhole 108
(FIG. 1). The
mechanical key receiver 210 is configured to unlock the lock 208 in a manner
that is
independent of the electronic locking circuit, such that the lock can be
opened without a
requirement for power. That is, the lock is controlled to transition from the
locked position
to the unlocked position by the mechanical key receiver engaged by the
physical key such
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that the physical key can unlock the lock independent of the unlock command
signal from
the controller.
The provision of the mechanical key receiver 210 facilitates a backup
mechanism to
unlock the device. The mechanical key receiver 210 can also function as an
electronic lock
override, e.g., in case of an electrical or logic malfunction. Yet further,
the mechanical key
receiver 210 can function as a Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
key making
the electronic lock suitable for travel applications. Thus, the mechanical key
receiver can
accept a physical key that is compatible with a Transportation Security
Administration
(TSA) key to transition the lock from the locked position to the unlocked
position.
Solely for sake of a non-limiting example, the lock 208 is schematically
illustrated
as having an electric actuator 212 (e.g., a linear actuator, rotary actuator,
motor, a motor
and a cam arrangement, motor and slider-crank, or other structure that
converts rotational
to linear motion, etc.) that is controlled by the controller 202. The electric
actuator 212
provides the electronically controlled motive force to open the lock to
transition the device
from a locked state to an unlocked state. For instance, the electric actuator
212 may move
a pin responsive to an unlock signal from the controller 202, so as to release
the locking
mechanism. In this example, a spring-biased pin 214 can be used to hold the
locking
mechanism inserted therein. For instance, the spring-bias can be used to
provide an
automatic and positive lock when a user inserts the locking mechanism through
the lock
aperture in the housing. As a few examples, inserting a clasp through the lock
aperture
causes a bias against the spring causing the pin to lock to the clasp
mechanically, so that
energy is not consumed by the electronics to enter a locked state. A coupler
216 is provided
so as to form a mechanical interface so that the pin can be activated to
unlock the locking
mechanism either by the controller 202, e.g., via the electric actuator 212 or
via a response
by the mechanical key receiver 210 receiving a valid key, e.g., a user inserts
and properly
turns a valid physical key. In this regard, the lock 208 may require other
mechanical or
electrical components 218, e.g., one or more cams, gears, magnets, actuators,
etc., as
required to enable both mechanical and electrical unlocking, such that the
mechanical
unlock can override or otherwise work independent of the electrical unlock.
The electronic lock 200 is also illustrated as having a power supply 220. The
power
supply 220 can comprise a battery, which may be rechargeable, user-
replaceable, or
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otherwise configured. As used herein, "battery- includes multiple batteries,
cells, and other
energy sources. The batteries may be rechargeable, replaceable, or a
combination thereof
For sake of clarity, the power supply 220 is not shown as being wired to the
other electronic
circuits solely for sake of clean schematic diagram. In practice, the power
supply 220
provides power to any component or components that require power. In this
regard, the
power supply 220 can include its own circuitry, including sleep circuitry that
minimizes
power consumption by entering a low power sleep mode until a user begins to
interface with
the electronic lock to unlock the locking mechanism thereof
As will be described in greater detail herein, in an example embodiment, the
power
supply, controller or other device can also regulate and/or monitor the charge
of the power
source. In this regard, a threshold (or thresholds) can be set that determine
when the battery
is about the run out of charge. If the battery charge falls below that
threshold, the lock may
be unlocked so as to not leave the lock in a locked state. As an illustrative
example, a
measure of battery characteristic (e.g., charge) is evaluated against
predetermined
threshold(s) (e.g., first threshold and second threshold) as a percentage of
predicted charge
remaining. If the charge falls below the first threshold, but is above the
second threshold, a
warning is provided. If the battery charge falls below the second threshold,
an action can
be taken, e.g., an email can be pushed to the user's smartphone, the lock can
be automatically
unlocked, etc.
As an illustrative working example, with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG 2
generally,
an electronic lock 100 can comprise a housing 102 having a lock aperture 106
extending
through a face thereof The lock aperture 106 is configured to receive a
locking mechanism,
such as a clasp, shackle, etc. as described more fully herein. A biometric
interface 110 is
attached to the housing 102. Moreover, a locking system is contained within
the housing
102. The locking system comprises a controller 202. The locking system also
includes a
biometric reader 204 that is electrically coupled to the controller 202. The
biometric reader
204 is also electrically coupled to the biometric interface 110. A lock
transitions between a
locked position and an unlocked position such that when the lock is in the
locked position
and the locking mechanism is inserted into the lock aperture, the locking
mechanism is
locked to the housing. Correspondingly, when the lock is in the unlocked
position, the
locking mechanism can release from the housing.
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An electric actuator 212 is electrically coupled to the controller 202. The
electric
actuator 212 is operable to transition the lock between the locked position
and the unlocked
position. A battery 220 powers at least the controller 202, the biometric
reader 204, and
the electric actuator 212. Here, the controller 202 issues an electronic
unlock command
signal to the electric actuator 212 to cause the lock to transition from the
locked position to
the unlocked position upon determining agreement of a match of electronic data
corresponding to a biometric read by the biometric reader to biometric data
accessible by
the controller 202 identifying an authorized user (such as a library
containing one or more
authorized user electronic biometric signatures). Also, the controller 202
issues the unlock
command signal to the electric actuator 212 to cause the lock to transition
from the locked
position to the unlocked position where a measure of a battery characteristic
falls below a
predetermined threshold, independent of an output of the biometric reader 204.
Unlock Algorithm
Referring to FIG. 3, a flow chart illustrates an example algorithm 300 that
can be
programmably implemented by the controller 202 (FIG. 2) in order to issue an
unlock signal,
e.g., to cause the lock 208 (FIG. 2), to unlock electronically. In this
example embodiment,
the controller 202 requires a multi-part confirmation that an individual has
proper
permission to unlock the electronic lock. In the illustrative example, a two-
part
authentication is required, including authentication by a biometric scanner
and input by a
proximity-based communication device. In this regard, the controller 202 may
not care the
order in which the inputs are received. As such, FIG. 3 illustrates receiving
an input from a
biometric scanner and from a proximity-based communication device in parallel
indicating
that a user can enter a biometric first, interact with the proximity-based
communication
device first, or interact with both at the same time.
At 302, the algorithm receives an input from a biometric scanner, e.g., the
biometric
reader 204 (FIG. 2). In practical applications, the input is a biometric from
a user wishing
to unlock the electronic lock. Here, the biometric scanner compares the
biometric received
from the user to one or more biometric signatures that have been predetermined
as
authorized to unlock the lock. By way of example, a user may have placed a
finger on a
fingerprint pad. Responsive thereto, the device reads the user's fingerprint.
The read
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fingerprint is converted into electronic data that is compared to electronic
data such as
fingerprint signatures, e.g., which can be stored in memory accessible by the
controller, the
biometric interface, or both.
At 304, the algorithm determines whether the biometric is a valid input. For
instance, the biometric scanner may attempt to match the biometric of the user
to one or
more stored biometric signatures. If the input is not valid, then the process
loops back to
obtain an input. Alternatively, if a valid input is received, the controller
considers whether
the controller has also received a valid input from the proximity-based
communication
device. If a valid input is not received from the proximity-based
communication device
(Agreement at 306 is NO), then the process again loops back for a user input.
Analogously, at 308, the algorithm receives an input from the proximity-based
communication device. As noted more fully herein, the proximity-based
communication
device may comprise a Near Field Communication Device, Bluetooth Device, RFID
device,
FOB, UWB, Zigbee, etc. A check is made at 310 as to whether the input is
valid. If the
proximity-based communication device does not authenticate a valid input,
(Valid Input is
No at 310), then flow returns to the beginning to receive an input.
The proximity-based communication device can perform a number of
authentication
functions. For instance, the proximity-based communication device may require
that an
associated known device pairs or otherwise communicates therewith. Here, a
valid user
must possess a corresponding, separate device that is known to the proximity-
based wireless
communication device. As another example the proximity-based communication
device
may require a passcode, key, pin, or other electronic input, which can be
input or otherwise
provided by a user, e.g., interacting with the electronic lock itself (e.g.,
via the input/output
114, FIG. 1), or via a separate device that communicates with the proximity-
based
communication device (not shown).
Alternatively, if a valid input is received, the algorithm considers whether a
valid
input has been received from the biometric scanner. If a valid input is not
received from the
biometric scanner (Agreement at 306 is NO), then the process again loops back
for a user
input.
If a user identification is presented to both the biometric scanner at 302 and
at the
proximity based communication device at 308 (e.g., within a predetermined time
period of
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one another), then the algorithm determines at the Agreement box 310, whether
the
biometric scanner and the proximity based communication device identify the
same user, or
whether the biometric scanner and the proximity based communication device
identify
different users.
In some embodiments, agreement must be from the same user. In other
embodiments, agreement requires that the user that authenticates with the
biometric reader
and the user that authenticates with the proximity-based communication device
are different,
but known and associated people. Regardless, if there is no Agreement at 310
between the
user identified by the biometric scanner and user identified by the proximity-
based
communication device at 310, the process loops back to the beginning to obtain
one or more
inputs as described more fully herein.
Alternatively, if there is Agreement at 310 between the user identified by the
biometric scanner and user identified by the proximity-based communication
device at 310
(e.g., within the predetermined time period of one another), then control
continues to 312,
where the controller issues an unlock command, e.g., to the lock 208 by way of
example.
Here, the predetermined time required for agreement can range from a few
seconds to a few
minutes, for example.
Thus, according to the algorithm 300 of FIG. 3, the controller issues an
unlock
command signal, e.g., to the electric actuator, to cause the lock to
transition from the locked
position to the unlocked position upon determining agreement of a multi-part
electronic
verification. Here, the multipart verification comprises a match of a
biometric read by the
biometric scanner to an authorized user, and a match of an identifier read by
the proximity-
based wireless communication device to stored identity data accessible by the
controller
identifying an authorized user, e.g., to the same authorized user matched by
the biometric
reader.
In an example embodiment, the proximity-based wireless communication device is
implemented by at least one of a nearfield electronic communication (NFC)
reader that
communicates with a corresponding NFC tag, and a Bluetooth receiver that is
configured to
only pair with authorized users. Moreover, in these embodiments, the locking
mechanism
can comprise a zipper clasp. Here, the lock comprises a locking member that
restricts the
clasp, when inserted into the lock aperture, from being removed when the lock
is in the
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locked position. As another example, the locking member can restrict at least
one of a
shackle, hook, or bolt inserted into the lock aperture from being removed when
the lock is
in the locked position.
Notably, even with multi-part authentication, in some embodiments, the lock
can be
controlled to transition from the locked position to the unlocked position by
the mechanical
key receiver engaging a physical key independent of the unlock command signal
from the
controller.
In practical applications, two independent verification mechanisms may be
sufficient. However, it is possible to incorporate more and/or alternative
verification
mechanisms. In this regard, the algorithm 300 can be altered in to include
additional,
different, or fewer authentication mechanisms.
As a first example, where a proximity-based communication device is not
provided,
the system my authenticate based upon the input from the biometric scanner
alone. Here,
the agreement at 306 is assumed to be satisfied if the input is valid at 304.
Analogously, as a second example, where a biometric scanner is not provided,
the
system my authenticate based upon the input from the proximity-based
communication
device alone. Here, the agreement at 306 is assumed to be satisfied if the
input is valid at
310.
As yet another example, a system may include both a biometric scanner and one
or
more proximity-based communication devices, or multiple different proximity-
based
communication devices. Here, the controller need only account for a valid
input from one
device, or validation may be required from multiple devices, e.g., depending
upon the
desired implementation.
Thus, the algorithm 300 can be modified to not require two-part
authentication.
Rather, the Agreement decision logic 306 may be optional. As a result of such
a
modification, the controller issues an unlock command signal to cause the lock
to transition
from the locked position to the unlocked position in a manner that is
independent of the
mechanical key receiver (when a mechanical unlock is provided), and is based
upon at least
one electronic verification selected from a match of a biometric read by the
biometric reader
to an authorized user at 302, 304 or a match of an identifier read by the
proximity-based
wireless communication device an authorized user at 308, 310.
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As yet further examples, either of the above-described embodiments can replace
the
proximity-based communication device and/or biometric reader scanner. For
instance, the
proximity-based communication device and/or biometric scanner can be replaced
by a user
interface on the electronic lock that requires a pin code or other unique user
input. As yet
further examples, the proximity-based communication device and/or biometric
scanner can
be replaced by another electronic component (or components), e.g., Bluetooth,
UWB,
Zigbee, Wi-Fi, a GPS receiver, other global or local positioning system, etc.
Yet further,
multiple -channels of authentication- (e.g., any described technology herein
for
communication, user interaction, etc., such as user I/O, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi,
Zigbee, NCF,
GPS, etc.,) can be provided, where agreement of n channels is required for the
controller to
issue an unlock command, where n is any whole number greater than 0 (i.e., one
or more).
Thus, for instance, there may be 3-4 ways to authenticate, of which two or
more
authentications must match in order for the controller to issue an unlock
command.
Moreover, some secondary authentications can be automated. For instance, if an
authorized user places a fingerprint on the biometric scanner (e.g.,
fingerprint reader), the
controller may then try to obtain a confirmation of user identify
automatically by checking
a geo-location, by looking for a Bluetooth device, smartphone, etc., known to
be associated
with the user, try to read an NCF or other badge or tag, associated with the
user, etc. In
other embodiments, e.g., where security is more of an issue, the user may be
required to
actively participate in the dual verification, e.g., by physically touching an
NCF device to
the housing of the electronic lock, by responding to a message transmitted by
the electronic
lock over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to the user's smartphone, by requiring the user
to enter a pin
on the electronic lock housing, by requiring the user to enter a pin on an
associated
smartphone, by responding to an email or app push request, text request to a
smartphone
texting app, etc.
In some embodiments, if the controller detects a predetermined number of
illegal
identification attempts, the controller may issue a lockout such that an owner
is required to
reset the controller, e.g., by requiring a supervisor/administrator login,
e.g., via a specific
user account, the user may be required to reset the lock using the physical
key, etc.
In some embodiments, the algorithm 300 can be modified to provide a number of
additional features that can enhance the flexibility of the lock. For
instance, there is no strict
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requirement that the user that enters a biometric is the identical person the
provides an input
via the proximity-based communication device. For instance, there may be a
situation
where it is desirable to require two individuals to unlock the lock. As yet
another example,
a single individual can use the biometric scanner for multiple different
inputs. For instance,
the user may be required to scan two or more fingers, which may result in
different
signatures for each finger, etc. The biometric scanner can be utilized in
other ways,
examples of which are set out in greater detail herein. Here, there may be
multi-part
authentication for each user, or two or more individuals can split ownership
of a different
component of the multi-part authentication.
Electronic Lock Example C
Referring to FIG. 4, an example block diagram of an electronic lock 400 is
illustrated. The electronic lock 400 is analogous to the electronic lock 200
of FIG. 2. As
such, like elements are indicated with like reference numbers 200 higher than
counterpart
elements. As such, a detailed explanation of analogous components is not
discussed in detail
herein.
As with the block diagram of FIG. 2, the electronic lock 400 includes a
controller
402, a biometric reader 404, a proximity-based wireless communication device
406, a lock
408, a power supply 420, etc. These components can be analogous to their dual
in FIG. 2.
Moreover, the electronic lock 400 can implement any of the processes herein,
including the
processes described with reference to FIG. 3.
However, FIG. 4 illustrates memory that can store, among other electronic
data, a
user list 430. Here, the memory, and hence the electronic user list, is
communicably coupled
to the controller 402. The controller 402 can access data stored in the user
list 430 to
determine, for example, whether a valid input indicating an authorized user is
received from
the biometric scanner (see 304 of FIG. 3), whether a valid input indicating an
authorized
user is received from the proximity-based communication device (see 310 of
FIG. 3),
combinations thereof, etc. As a few illustrative examples, the user list 430
can store
biometric signatures, e.g., fingerprint signatures, where each fingerprint
signature is
associated with a unique authorized user. The user list 430 can also store
electronic identity
data, e.g., identifiers that are associated with the corresponding proximity-
based
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communication device, PIN codes, electronic keys, electronic passwords, etc.,
signatures,
etc. The ability to correlate and normalize different authentication
technologies to a
common user list allows multi-part authentication to be carried out
efficiently on the device
itself.
In practical applications, there are a number of ways to program the user list
430. A
user list can be uploaded into a local database via a hardware connector,
e.g., USB (not
shown for clarity). As another example, the user list can be uploaded via
wireless, e.g., via
connection to a network, e.g., WI-Fl, e.g., using a smartphone, computer, etc.
Still further,
the controller 402 can run an algorithm that implements a secure
administrative mode where
the controller 402 itself builds a valid user list and associates each valid
user with a unique
biometric signature and with a unique input via the proximity-based
communication device.
Electronic Lock Example D
Referring to FIG. 5, an example block diagram of an electronic lock 500 is
illustrated. The electronic lock 500 is analogous to the electronic lock 400
of FIG. 4 and/or
the electronic lock 200 of FIG. 2. As such, like elements are indicated with
like reference
numbers 300 higher than counterpart elements in FIG. 2, and 100 higher than
the counterpart
elements in FIG. 4. As such, a detailed explanation of analogous components is
not
discussed in detail herein.
As with the block diagram of FIG. 4, the electronic lock 500 includes a
controller
502, a biometric reader 504, a proximity-based communication device 506, a
lock 508,
power supply 520, and a user list 530. These components can be analogous to
their dual in
FIG. 4. Moreover, the electronic lock 500 can implement any of the processes
herein,
including the processes described with reference to FIG. 3.
However, FIG. 5 adds a Bluetooth transceiver 532. The Bluetooth transceiver
532
can function in a number of capacities. The Bluetooth receiver can function as
a short-range
transceiver for programming and communication. Alternatively, the Bluetooth
transceiver
can function in lieu of, or in addition to the proximity-based communication
device 506 for
multi-part authentication. For instance, Bluetooth transceiver transactions
can replace the
proximity-based communication device transactions in the algorithm of FIG. 3.
Alternatively, a three-way authentication can be carried out by expanding the
algorithm of
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FIG. 3 to accommodate the Bluetooth transceiver input analogous to the
biometric input
(302, 304) and/or the proximity-based communication device input (308, 310),
or the
Bluetooth transceiver can function in lieu of the biometric scanner, proximity-
based
communication device, etc.
Electronic Lock Example E
Referring to FIG. 6, an example block diagram of an electronic lock 600 is
illustrated. The electronic lock 600 is analogous to any combination of
disclosure for the
electronic lock 200 of FIG. 2, electronic lock 400 of FIG. 4, or electronic
lock 500 of FIG.
5. As such, like elements are indicated with like reference numbers 400 higher
than the
counterpart elements in FIG. 2, 200 higher than the counterpart elements in
FIG. 4, and 100
higher than the counterpart elements in FIG. 5. As such, a detailed
explanation of analogous
components is not discussed in detail herein.
As with other electronic locks described more fully herein, the electronic
lock 600
includes a controller 602 (which can execute the algorithm 300 of FIG. 3) and
a biometric
reader 604. The electronic lock 600 also includes a lock 608, power supply
620, and a user
list 630. Moreover, the electronic lock 600 can implement any of the processes
herein,
including the processes described with reference to FIG. 3.
The electronic lock 600 can also include one or more communication devices as
noted more fully herein. For convenience of illustration, the device(s) are
illustrated in
block 634. Here, the communication device(s) can include NCF, Bluetooth, UWB,
Zigbee,
Wi-Fi, a combination thereof, etc.
The electronic lock 600 also includes a positioning system 636, which can be
implemented as a global positioning system (GPS), a local positioning system,
etc. The
incorporation of a GPS enables the electronic lock to implement geo-based
decisions into
the algorithm that determines whether to issue an unlock command to the lock
608. For
instance, geo-fences can be set up that require the electronic lock 608 to be
outside of
defined geographical region(s) in order for algorithm to issue the unlock
command.
Likewise, the positioning system 636 can be used to set up geo-containment
regions, where
the electronic lock 600 must be within a predefined geo-boundary in order for
algorithm to
issue the unlock command.
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Notably, other metadata can be used with or in lieu of geo-based data to
augment the
algorithm 300 in order for algorithm to issue the unlock command. For
instance, an
administrator may set up the electronic lock 600 to open only within set
hours, on set days,
etc. Geo-requirements and metadata requirements can be in addition to, or part
of the
required n part authentication described more fully herein.
As a few examples, the electronic lock can include a global positioning system
(GPS) receiver that is controlled by the controller to determine the position
of the electronic
lock when an attempt is made to unlock the lock. In some embodiments, the
controller reads
a list of geoboundaries to determine whether multi-part electronic
verification is required.
For instance, if a user is within a geofenced area such as a public area, a
multi-part
verification may be required. As yet another example, if the user is in a
geofenced area such
as a safe area, then multi-part verification can be disabled.
By way of illustrative example, the controller can be programmed with at least
one
approved geoboundary. Here, the controller issues an unlock command signal,
e.g., to the
electric actuator, to cause the lock to transition from the locked position to
the unlocked
position from any one of the authorization devices provided, such as a
fingerprint scanner
or the proximity-based wireless communication device, when the controller
determines
from the GPS receiver that the electronic lock is in a predetermined approved
geoboundary.
The controller can require a multi-part electronic verification to issue an
unlock command
signal, e.g., to the electric actuator, to cause the lock to transition from
the locked position
to the unlocked position when the electronic lock is not within the
predetermined approved
geoboundary. In other embodiments, the above-two roles can be flipped. For
instance the
controller issues an unlock command signal, e.g., to the electric actuator, to
cause the lock
to transition from the locked position to the unlocked position from any one
of the
authorization devices provided when the controller determines from the GPS
receiver that
the electronic lock is not in a predetermined approved geoboundary. The
controller can
require a multi-part electronic verification to issue an unlock command
signal, e.g., to the
electric actuator, to cause the lock to transition from the locked position to
the unlocked
position when the electronic lock is within the predetermined approved
geoboundary.
The electronic lock 600 also is illustrated as having a device port 638. The
device
port 638 can comprise a universal serial bus (USB) port, etc. The device port
638 can
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function to recharge a battery (e.g., the power supply 620) that powers the
electronic lock
600. The device port 638 can also be used to power the electronic lock 600,
e.g., in case the
battery wears down too far to be useful. Still further, the device port 638
can be used to
load data, e.g., into the user list 630. Moreover, the device port 638 can be
used to extract
information from the electronic lock 600.
For instance, the electronic lock 600 can log authorization attempts, e.g., to
capture
data on when the lock is accessed. The electronic lock can also use the
positioning system
to tag authorization attempts with geo-data such that records can be created
that reflect not
only that the lock was accessed, but by whom and where.
The electronic lock 600 can also include one or more input/output devices
(I/O)
devices 640. Example I/O devices include a speaker, a microphone, a haptic
device, a
transducer, a piezo element, light, LED, display, etc. In the example
embodiment, the I/O
device 640 is coupled to the controller 602, thus enabling the controller 602
to interact with
the I/0 device 640 and to coordinate the I/0 device 640 with other features of
the electronic
lock 600.
By way of example, an I/O device 640 implemented as microphone, coupled with
voice recognition software executing in the controller 602 enables voice
activation of an
unlock command. Here, the user can train the controller 602 to respond to a
voice command
to cause the controller to unlock the lock 608. In some embodiments, a voice
command can
also (and/or alternatively) be used to cause the controller 602 to cause the
lock 608 to
transition to a locked position. The voice commands can also optionally be
utilized to turn
on or off certain features, e.g., to enable or disable the biometric scanner,
Bluetooth, GPS,
NFC, or other features provided on the particular device 600. Still further, a
pre-designated
command can cause the controller to start listening for voice commands. For
instance, a
command such as "hey lock- may trigger the lock to start listening for a voice
command.
In this regard, the controller can be programmed to listen for identifying
characteristics of a
voice signal (e.g., authenticate) based upon verbal characteristics. The
controller can also
be programmed to listen for certain words, sounds, or combinations thereof The
command
words can be buried in a sentence, thus masking the true trigger words. In
this regard, the
controller can record across a time window, then parse the recorded speech to
look for
trigger words, sounds, etc.
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As yet another example, an I/O device 640 can be an LED and/or LED and
speaker/transducer. Here, the controller is programmed to respond to a user
request to find
the lock. Thus, the LED can be programmed to turn on, flash, change color,
etc., to send a
"beacon". The I/O device 640 can also play a sound, e.g., chirp, alarm, etc.
to assist with
location of the electronic lock 600.
In yet another example, a smartphone can connect to the lock, e.g., via
Bluetooth,
ultra-wide band, WiFi, USB, or other wired or wireless technology. In this
implementation,
the lock includes the appropriate transceiver, USB interface, etc., to
communicate with the
smartphone. In a manner analogous to the voice example above, a smartphone
microphone
is coupled with voice recognition software executing in the smartphone, e.g.,
via an app, to
enable voice activation of an unlock command. Here, the user can train the
voice software
in the app to respond to a voice command to cause the controller 602 to unlock
the lock 608.
In some embodiments, a voice command can also (and/or alternatively) be used
to cause the
controller 602 to cause the lock 608 to transition to a locked position. The
voice commands
can also optionally be utilized to turn on or off certain features, e.g., to
enable or disable the
biometric scanner, Bluetooth, GPS, NFC, or other features provided on the
particular device
600. Still further, a pre-designated command can cause the controller to start
listening for
voice commands. For instance, a command such as "hey lock" may trigger the
smartphone
app to start listening for a voice command. In this regard, the smartphone app
can be
programmed to listen for identifying characteristics of a voice signal (e.g.,
authenticate)
based upon verbal characteristics. The smartphone app can also be programmed
to listen
for certain words, sounds, or combinations thereof The command words can be
buried in
a sentence, thus masking the true trigger words. In this regard, the
smartphone app can
record across a time window, then parse the recorded speech to look for
trigger words,
sounds, etc.
In yet further example embodiments, a smartphone can be used to augment the
controller, e.g., controller 602, and/or other components of the lock. For
instance, a user
may be required to enter a biometric signature. However, an app on the
smartphone includes
the same signature library (or subset of the same signature library) as the
lock. As such, the
app on the smartphone can use a biometric scanner on the smartphone to read a
biometric
signature in addition to, or in lieu of the biometric scanner on the lock. In
other example,
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the smartphone can use its transceiver, e.g., WiFi transceiver, to receive
software updates,
etc., which can then be loaded into the controller 602. In yet another
example, the controller
in the lock can communicate with the smartphone app to carry out enhanced
features. For
instance, the lock may not include a built-in GPS, but rather rely on the
smartphone GPS
and smartphone computing power to carry out any one or more of the geofeature
capabilities
described more fully herein. In this example, the lock can leverage the
graphical user
interface, including the touchscreen, and computer processing power of the
smartphone to
offload data intensive processing, which saves energy, prolongs battery life,
and requires
less computational capability on the lock. Here, if the lock receives an input
indicating that
the controller should issue an unlock command, the controller on the lock
first
communicates with the smartphone app, e.g., to check whether the unlock
command was
received within the requirements of geoboundaries, whether the necessary
authentication is
satisfied, etc.
Yet further, in some embodiments, a user can set a unique pairing requirement
for
the controller in the lock to pair with a smartphone. This allows the user to
ensure that
pairing can be securely and reliably made with the lock. By way of example,
when using
Bluetooth, the user can set a unique discovery parameter (e.g., a passkey,
PIN, passcode,
password, or other security code) that the Bluetooth receiver on the lock
requires before
successful pairing. When the user attempts to pair with the lock, after
discovering the lock,
the lock will require the user to enter the correct discovery parameter.
Because the discovery
parameter is set by the user of the lock, the user can pair any smartphone.
Thus for example,
if a user smartphone is not charged, or not in the user's possession, and the
user needs to
use a smartphone to unlock the lock, the user can borrow a smartphone from a
trusted source,
pair the new smartphone, download any necessary app, and use the app on the
borrowed
smartphone to cause the controller to issue an unlock command to the lock
system.
In yet further aspects of the present disclosure, because the controller of
the lock
integrates with a smartphone, e.g., to offload technology and/or software
processing, the
same or similar functionality can be passed to other electronic
peripherals/accessories. For
instance, in some embodiments, the lock can be controlled to issue an unlock
command
responsive to a command received from a smartwatch.
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In still further embodiments, a smartphone acts as a graphical user interface
to pass
key information to the user, e.g., the controller of the lock sends messages
to an app in the
smartphone (e.g., directly or via a cloud infrastructure), to show battery
level, access details,
lock status (e.g., locked, unlocked), etc. As another example, the app on the
smartphone
can act as a "finder- by finding the lock, e.g., based upon GPS, wireless
communication, or
a combination thereof
The smartphone app can also be programmed to carry out certain lock or unlock
functions automatically or via user interaction, e.g., based upon proximity to
the lock. For
instance, in an example embodiment, an alarm is triggered by the smartphone
when the lock
exceeds a predetermined range, distance, etc., from the smartphone app. By way
of
example, a received signal strength indicator (RS SI) can be used as an
estimated distance of
the lock from the smartphone.
In addition to the alarm, the smartphone app can
automatically send a command to cause the lock to lock itself where the lock
design makes
this autornatable. Also, the smartphone capability described herein can
augment, override,
or be overridden by the normal capability of the lock. For instance, in some
embodiments,
the lock will normally automatically unlock just before the battery is
discharged too low to
be able to respond to commands. However, if the smartphone app detects that
the lock is
not within a predetermined range, then this normal unlock sequence can be
overridden so
that the lock does not automatically unlock. This smartphone override may be
geobounded,
e.g., so that when the lock is within a defined geoboundary, e.g., a user's
home, the lock
will simply unlock if the battery gets too low. On the other hand, when the
lock is in another
geoboundary, e.g., designated geolocation such as a public location, or if the
lock is outside
a designated -safe" geoboundary, then smartphone and lock interact so that the
lock does
not automatically unlock if the battery on the lock gets too low.
Miscellaneous
Various embodiments are illustrated, to demonstrate features of an electronic
lock.
In practice, an electronic lock according to aspects herein, can be
implemented using any
one or more features described with reference to any one or more of the
FIGURES generally.
Thus, each FIGURE represents a non-limiting example embodiment comprised of
several
components, processes, etc., that can be combined with features such as
components,
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processes, etc., from other embodiments herein. For instance, an
authentication device such
as the GPS device 636 can be implemented with the configuration of FIG. 2,
FIG. 4, FIG.
5, etc.
As another illustration, an example embodiment of an electronic lock can
comprise
a housing having a first face, a lock aperture that extends through the first
face of the
housing, a keyhole that passes through the housing, and a biometric interface
attached to the
housing. The housing contains, for example, a controller, a biometric reader
electrically
coupled to the controller, and a proximity-based wireless communication device
electrically
coupled to the controller. Also, a lock transitions from a locked position to
an unlocked
position in cooperation with a locking mechanism that is insertable into the
lock aperture.
For instance, the lock can include a locking member that restricts a zipper
clasp inserted into
the lock aperture from being removed when the lock is in the locked position,
a locking
member that restricts at least one of a shackle, hook, or bolt inserted into
the lock aperture
from being removed when the lock is in the locked position, etc.
Yet further, a mechanical key receiver is configured to accept a physical key.
Under
this arrangement, the controller can issue an unlock command signal to cause
the lock to
transition from the locked position to the unlocked position in a manner that
is independent
of the mechanical key receiver, based upon at least one electronic
verification selected from
a match of a biometric read by the biometric reader to electronic data
identifying an
authorized user, or a match of an identifier read by the proximity-based
wireless
communication device (e.g., a nearfield electronic communication (NFC) reader
that
communicates with a corresponding NFC tag, a Bluetooth receiver that is
configured to only
pair with authorized users, etc.) to electronic data identifying the
authorized user.
Moreover, the lock is controlled to transition from the locked position to the
unlocked
position by the mechanical key receiver engaging a physical key independent of
the unlock
command signal from the controller. In some embodiments, there can be both a
first
proximity-based wireless communication device, such as a nearfield electronic
communication (NFC) reader that communicates with a corresponding NFC tag, and
a
second proximity-based wireless communication device, such as a Bluetooth
receiver. As
noted more fully herein, the electronic lock can include an authentication
device such a
positioning system, e.g., a global positioning system (GPS) receiver that is
controlled by the
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controller to determine the position of the electronic lock when an attempt is
made to unlock
the lock, as set out more fully herein.
However, other combinations of features described herein can be combined to
form
an electronic lock. By way of example, an electronic lock could include the
GPS 636 of
FIG. 6, and the proximity-based wireless communication device 406 of FIG. 4,
but omit a
biometric reader all together.
With reference to the FIGURES generally, the example technologies described
herein can be used in various ways to cause the controller to issue an unlock
command. For
example, the controller can respond to a PIN (e.g., personal identification
code) as a way to
establishing authentication to issue an unlock command. The PIN can be a
sequence,
pattern, or other code entered into a smart device, e.g., smartphone. In the
case of a smart
device running an app, a PIN can be used in addition to, or in lieu of
pressing an "unlock"
virtual button on a graphical user interface of the smart device. Here, the
PIN can be any
combination of alpha numeric or special characters.
The PIN can also/alternatively be implemented using coded pulses, e.g.,
analogous
to Morse code. The code entry can be implemented by tapping the biometric
reader, e.g.,
biometric reader 204. In this manner, instead of reading an actual biometric
input, the
biometric reader detects activation, and sends a signal to the controller. The
controller is
programmed to -listen" for a series of pulses or activations, and convert
those received serial
pulses or activations into a PIN. If the interpreted pattern matches a pre-
stored pattern, then
the controller can send an unlock command. Thus, for example, determining
agreement of
a match of electronic data corresponding to a biometric read by the biometric
reader to data
identifying an authorized user can comprise collecting the data corresponding
to a biometric
read by the biometric reader by collecting a series of taps on the biometric
reader, thus
forming a PIN and comparing the determined PIN to the data identifying the
authorized
user.
With the above in mind, yet another example implementation of an electric lock
comprises a housing having a lock aperture extending through a face thereof,
and a biometric
interface attached to the housing. Also, a locking system is contained within
the housing.
Here, the locking system comprises a controller. The locking system also
includes one or
more authentication devices. For instance, the locking system includes a
biometric reader
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electrically coupled to the controller and to the biometric interface. A lock
transitions
between a locked position and an unlocked position such that when the lock is
in the locked
position and the locking mechanism is inserted into the lock aperture, the
locking
mechanism is locked to the housing and when the lock is in the unlocked
position, the
locking mechanism can release from the housing. Responsive thereto, an
electric actuator
is electrically coupled to the controller, and is operable to transition the
lock between the
locked position and the unlocked position. Under this configuration, the
controller issues
an electronic unlock command signal, e.g., to the electric actuator, to cause
the lock to
transition from the locked position to the unlocked position upon determining
agreement of
a match of electronic data corresponding to a biometric read by the biometric
reader to data
identifying an authorized user or detecting that the user tapped a PIN into
the biometric
interface that matches a PIN corresponding to the user, where the PIN is
stored in memory
accessible by the controller.
This same concept can be applied to other input devices. For instance, instead
of the
controller using voice commands per se, a user could tap on the microphone to
send a pattern
of touches. The controller listens to the pattern of taps and if the
interpreted pattern matches
a pre-stored pattern, then the controller sends an unlock command to the lock.
Instead of
tap or in addition to taps, a microphone can use utterances, pitch, duration
volume, or a
combination thereof to assemble a pattern into an input that can be matched to
a pre-stored
value representing an authorization, and trigger an unlock command. Still
further, a PIN
code can be tapped into graphical user interface on a srnartphone that is
linked to the lock,
e.g., via Bluctooth, WiFi, ultrawidc-band, etc.
A related approach can be taken with location sensing features, such as GPS.
The
user can program a geo-location as a lock or unlock position. Yet further, the
other devices
connected to the controller can be converted into PIN code generators using
techniques
analogous to that described above. This allows features provided in an
electronic lock to
serve multiple purposes, including use as a PIN generator in addition to, or
in lieu of using
an associated device in its normal capacity as described more fully herein.
Yet further, as noted in greater detail herein, a user possessing a smart
device, e.g.,
smartphone, smartwatch, smart fitness tracker, tablet, laptop, etc. can link
the smart device
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to the electronic lock, e.g., via Bluetooth, WiFi, ultra-wide band, etc. Using
a technology
such as UWB allows the controller to be programmed with rules that affect
wither the
controller will issue an unlock command. For instance, ultra-wide band,
Bluetooth. WiFi,
and similar technologies can sense the presence of an external device without
actually
communicably pairing or connecting with that external device. As such, the
controller can
be programmed, e.g., via a user interface on a smart device (e.g., smartphone,
smart watch,
smart appliance, etc.) or computer, to only issue an unlock command if the
user authenticates
to the controller (e.g., using a technique(s) described more fully herein) and
a particular
external device or devices (e.g., different from, the user's smart device)
is/are either present,
or not present. For instance, if the controller detects that the user is home,
a home WiFi
router may be broadcasting a WiFi network name that is recognized by the
controller. The
controller can use the detection of the WiFi as a sort of inferential
positioning system to
know that the user is in a familiar setting, thus authorizing an unlock
command. Many other
examples can be implemented based upon the disclosure herein.
The user can also pair a smart device such as a smartphone to the electronic
lock.
Under this configuration, using GPS, Bluetooth, ultra-wide band, Wi-Fi, etc.,
in either the
electronic lock, the smartphone, or both, the controller can determine whether
the electronic
lock is within a predefined geo-boundary of the smartphone. In this regard,
the controller
is programmed with a rule that causes the controller to not send an unlock
command to the
electronic lock if the electronic lock is outside the defined geo-boundary.
In still another example embodiment, the controller is programmed to utilize
signal
strength, e.g., via a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) or other
measure of power,
signal strength or other measurable parameter.
Also, as described more fully herein, the controller can issue an unlock
command
based upon a predefined authentication. The authentication can, in some
embodiments,
come from one feature/modality (e.g., biometric input, smart device pairing,
PIN code entry,
etc.). In other embodiments, the controller is programmed by a rule that
provides a
predefined authentication based upon multi-technology/multi-modal
verification, e.g., NFC
plus smart device pairing, or any two or more modalities/features described
herein, etc.). In
still further embodiments, the controller is programmed with a rule that
defines
authentication based upon single feature/modality or multi-feature/modality
plus external
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environment criteria, e.g., and not in a predefined geo-boundary (and not at
the park), within
a predefined geo-boundary (e.g., in my car, at my house, etc.), and within the
presence of
an external device, and only if not in the presence of a known external
device, etc.
Still further, where the controller has access to memory, the controller can
store
metrics, including successful unlocks, failed attempts, timestamps and other
meta data,
which can be exported to a smartphone, e.g., either directly or via a cloud
based data
gathering process.
In some embodiments, the controller can include a boot loader or other feature
that
allows a smart device, computer, etc., to flash the electronic lock with a
software update,
e.g., to change firmware.
Yet further, as best illustrated in FIG. 6, in some embodiments, the
controller 602
can communicate with the power supply 620, e.g., with a power supply sensor.
Thus, for
example, the controller 602 can monitor a battery characteristic, such as
battery charge. In
this regard, when the battery falls below a certain charge, e.g., a first
threshold such as 10%
battery remaining, the controller 602 sends a message, e.g., a tone, light
indicator, email or
text to the user's smart phone, etc.) to the user that the battery needs
recharged. If the battery
level falls below a second threshold level, e.g., 5%, the controller 602 opens
the lock in
some embodiments. In the present example, the measure of battery
characteristic (e.g.,
charge) is evaluated against predetermined threshold(s) (e.g., first threshold
and second
threshold) as a percentage of predicted charge remaining. However, other
suitable measures
can also be implemented.
Here, the controller 602 can provide feedback via multiple modes, e.g., by
controlling an LED (e.g., I/0 640) to flash or change color when the battery
level crosses
the first threshold indicating the need to be recharged, or the second
threshold indicating the
need to either secure the lock in the locked state (or alternatively, to
unlock the lock)
depending upon the user configuration. The percentage given for the first and
second
thresholds are by way of example only. Other values can be utilized instead.
Referring to the FIGURES generally, as a few additional non-limiting but
illustrative
examples, a clasp can be received into a lock aperture (e.g., lock aperture
106, FIG. 1) and
is released by a mechanism, e.g., a spring-loaded release. As another
illustrative example,
a zipper and lock can comprise magnets, where the magnets are attracted to the
lock aperture
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106. In yet another example, a hook can insert into the lock aperture 106 and
is turned by a
lock mechanism, thus releasing a zipper, hook or other suitable structure from
the lock
aperture 106. As yet another example, a snap can be connected to the lock
either by magnet
or by a small hole inside the snap. Here, the magnet will be released when a
magnetic
attraction is overcome. A snap with a small hole therein can be connected to
the lock. Here,
the lock includes a rod that goes in the lock aperture 106, keeping the snap
secure. The
mechanisms herein pull the rod out of the snap upon receiving an unlock
command,
allowing the snap to be released. Thus, the user always has the ability to
snap. However,
the electronic lock can turn on and off the locking mechanism.
Example Zipper Lock
Referring now to FIG. 7, an example electronic lock 700 is illustrated. The
electronic lock 700 can, in practice, include any combination of features
described herein.
For sake of clarity of discussion, the illustrated electronic lock 700
includes a housing 702
having a first face 704 that defines a major surface facilitating interaction
with the electronic
lock 700. The housing 702 is shown with a generally -box" shaped form factor
solely for
convenience of illustration and discussion of key features herein. In
practice, the housing
702 can take on any shape and/or size, e.g., to conform to intended
applications, technology
contained therein, aesthetics, combinations thereof, etc.
In practical applications, one or more features of the electronic lock 700 are
exposed
to a user via the housing 702. For instance, as illustrated in the example
electronic lock 700
of FIG. 1, a lock aperture 706 extends through the first face 704 of the
housing 702. The
lock aperture 706 defines an opening in the electronic lock 700 that receives
a corresponding
locking member, which is illustrated as a zipper clasp 707 in this example.
The electronic lock 700 can include an optional keyhole 708 that passes
through the
housing 702. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the optional keyhole 708
extends through
the first face 704 of the housing 702. However, in other embodiments, the
keyhole 708 can
extend through or otherwise couple to any other surface of the housing 702,
e.g., back, side,
etc. Regardless of location, the keyhole 708, where utilized, provides an
interface that
receives a physical key that is specifically configured to unlock/open the
locking mechanism
of the electronic lock 700. As will be described in greater detail herein, the
physical key
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operates the locking mechanism independent of an electronic locking mechanism.
Likewise, the electronic locking mechanism can unlock the lock independent of
the physical
key. As a result, the electronic lock 700 can always be opened, even where no
power is
available to the electronic lock 700. In some embodiments, the keyhole 708 can
be omitted.
Still further, a biometric interface 710 is attached to or otherwise passes
through the
housing 702. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the biometric interface 710 is
attached
to or otherwise extends through the first face 704 of the housing 702.
However, in other
embodiments, the biometric interface 710 can attach to or otherwise extend
through any
other surface of the housing 702. Regardless of location, the biometric
interface 710
receives biometric information from a user. In some embodiments, the received
biometric
information can be used to unlock the electronic lock 700. In other
embodiments, the
received biometric information can be used to lock the electronic lock 700. In
still further
embodiments, the received biometric information can be used as a part of a
multi-part
authentication, verification, other scheme, etc., examples of which are set
out in greater
detail herein.
In practical applications, the biometric interface 710 can form part of a
fingerprint/thumbprint scanner. In this regard, the biometric interface 710
can optionally
include a pad 712. The pad 712 provides an interface for receiving a biometric
input from
a user, receive a tapped in PIN from a user, or combination thereof, as set
out in greater
detail herein. However, other biometric-based sensing technologies can
also/alternatively
be utilized.
As noted more fully herein, the electronic lock 700 can include other
electronic
identification features in addition to, or in lieu of the biometric interface
710, e.g., NCF,
Bluetooth, Ultra-wide band, etc.
Optionally, the electronic lock can also include one or more user interface
input/output features. The input/output 714 can include one or more buttons,
pads, knobs,
encoders, switches, Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) or other input and/or output
devices that
facilitate user interaction with the lock.
Referring to FIG. 8, a zipper clasp 800 is illustrated in a perspective view.
The
zipper clasp 800 can implement the zipper clasp 707 in FIG. 7 for instance.
The zipper clasp
800 includes in general, a zipper attachment 802 that attaches to a zipper of
a corresponding
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article, e.g., a bag, purse, backpack, carry case, pouch, etc. A zipper handle
804 couples to
the zipper attachment 802 for grasping by a user. A zipper lock arm 806
extends downward
towards a distal end of the zipper handle. The zipper lock arm is generally
orthogonal to
the zipper handle 804. The zipper lock arm 806 includes an aperture 808 that
extends
entirely therethrough. Moreover, the zipper lock arm circumscribes the
aperture 808. In
this manner, the locking mechanism of the electronic lock (e.g., FIG. 7)
cooperates with the
aperture 808 to lock the zipper clasp 800 to the electronic lock 700 when the
electronic lock
700 is in a locked state.
Referring to FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B, a locking system is illustrated, according
to
aspects of the present disclosure herein. The locking system can be
implemented within the
housing 702 (FIG. 7) for instance. FIG. 9A illustrates the locking system in a
locked state,
whereas FIG. 9B illustrates the locking system in an unlocked state.
The locking system receives a locking mechanism 900 (e.g., the zipper clasp
800,
FIG. 8). Additionally the locking system includes a motive device 902, e.g., a
motor, a lock
lever 904, a spring-loaded unlocking mechanism 906, a lock defined by a
locking pin 908,
a locking spring 910, control circuitry 912, e.g., any of the circuits set out
with regard to
FIG. 1-FIG. 6, or any combination thereof, an energy source, e.g., battery
914, and release
springs 918.
With reference to FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B generally, when a locking mechanism 900
(e.g., zipper clasp) is inserted into the locking system and the lock lever
904 is in a locked
state (FIG. 9A), a user urges the locking mechanism downward into the housing
such that
the zipper lock arm (806, FIG. 8) compresses the release springs 918. As the
release springs
918 compress, the aperture (aperture 808, FIG. 8) aligns with the locking pin
908. The end
of the locking spring 910 urges the locking pin 908 through the aperture 808
of the zipper
clasp 800 thus locking the zipper clasp 800 to the locking system. Here, the
release springs
918 are maintained compressed and are held compressed by the engagement of the
locking
pin 908 and the aperture of the locking mechanism.
As best illustrated in FIG. 9B, to unlock the locking mechanism 900, the
control
circuitry 912, responsive to an unlock command, causes the motive device 902
to rotate its
shaft, thus causing a cam to slide the lock lever 904 laterally across the
locking system.
Here, the motive device 902 and cam define the electric actuator described
more fully
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herein. The lock lever 904 includes a wedge-shaped face that engages a block
of the locking
pin 908. As the cam moves the lock lever 904 laterally, the wedge of the lock
lever 904
urges against the block of the locking pin 908, thus moving the locking pin
908 away from
the spring-loaded locking mechanism 906 so as to compress the locking spring
910. When
the lock lever 904 has retracted the locking pin 908 sufficient to remove the
locking pin 908
from the aperture 808 of the zipper clasp, the spring-loaded unlocking
mechanism, under
spring force, ejects the zipper clasp from the housing via the release springs
918.
Referring to FIG. 10, select components of a locking system are illustrated in
greater
detail for clarity of discussion. The components illustrated in FIG. 10 can be
utilized to
implement components of the locking system of FIG. 9. As such, like components
are
illustrated with like reference numbers that are 100 higher than their
counterparts illustrated
in FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B.
In operation, when a user pushes a locking mechanism 1000 (e.g., clasp) into
the
housing of a lock, a projection of the clasp compresses a release 1016 via
springs 1018. To
keep the release 1016 in a biased position, the locking pin 1008 includes a
nose that is
received into an aperture of the projection of the locking mechanism 1000. The
locking pin
1008 is urged into the aperture via spring 1010. Thus, the spring 1010 and
springs 1018
compress and expand in orthogonal directions. To unlock the device the lock
lever (see lock
lever 904) moves laterally across the locking pin 1008 into the -C" opening,
in a wedging
motion. As the lock lever wedges into the locking pin 1008, the locking pin
1008 begins to
recess, thus compressing the spring 1010 until the nose of the locking pin
1008 releases
from the aperture of the locking mechanism 1000. Once the nose is released,
the bias of the
springs 1018 causes the release 1016 to project up, thus launching the locking
mechanism
1000 out of the housing of the lock. Thus, the unlock spring biases an
ejection or partial
ejection of the locking member from the lock housing.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular
embodiments
only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the
singular forms
"a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless
the context
clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms
"comprises" and/or
"comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated
features,
integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude
the presence
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or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations,
elements, components,
and/or groups thereof
Referring back to the FIGURES generally, in another example embodiment, the
controller is programmed to enable or allow third-party device pairing. For
instance, using
Bluetooth, a user can custom program a Pairing code in response to a request
to pair.
Because the Pairing code is unique and known to the user (or programmed by the
user in
some embodiments), the user can decide to share that code with another device.
For
instance, if a user does not have access to their smart device, e.g., smart
phone, but needs to
unlock the electronic lock, the user can -borrow- a smart device and pair with
that device
using the known pairing code. In some embodiments, the controller, recognizing
a con-ect
pairing code, but different MAC address, can log the occurrence, e.g.,
including a time
stamp, location stamp, MAC address stamp, etc.
The description of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of
illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited
to the disclosure
in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to
those of
ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the
disclosure.
Having thus described the disclosure of the present application in detail and
by
reference to embodiments thereof, it will be apparent that modifications and
variations are
possible without departing from the scope of the disclosure defined in the
appended claims.
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